Christian Wade has quit rugby union to pursue a career in American football, CoventryLive understands.

Rumours engulfed social media on Thursday evening that the prolific try-scoring Wasps winger could be set for a sensational switch in a bid to play in the NFL.

Wade's profile was removed from Wasps website on Friday morning, but returned around lunch time.

RugbyInsideLine Twitter account first hinted at a 'big transfer' rumour earlier in the evening before claiming Wade is set for a move to America.

This was followed by an article published on the Daily Mail which added strength to the speculation.

Christian Wade

CoventryLive understands Wade first made attempts to switch to American football last year, and spent a large chunk of his summer away in the USA - longer than the three weeks that has been reported elsewhere.

Wade entered the 2018/19 season third on the all-time Premiership try-scoring list but has yet to get off the mark this campaign.

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He withdrew from Wasps squad heading to Leinster due to illness. His most-recent appearance was in Wasps' 35-21 home loss to Gloucester.

In preparation for the new season, Wade spent three weeks in the USA, including visiting an NFL-style footwork coach nicknamed Speedy Gonzalez in New Jersey, who he had discovered on Instagram.

ESPN reported "Wade, reached out to the coach and was soon running drills with speed ladders and hurdles, while sharpening his hand-eye coordination by catching tennis and rugby balls. The overall aim was to improve Wade's already-frightening pace but more specifically, the training was designed to fine-tune his central nervous system. Through the repetition of the drills, key attacking movements became second nature."

A screengrab of Wasps website taken on Friday morning, where Christian Wade's profile was once placed

The Guardian also mentioned Wade's possible suitability for the NFL in February this year. Former Worcester player Christian Scotland-Williamson said: "I’ve no doubt players like Christian Wade would do well over here with their speed and footwork."

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Wasps held their weekly media conference on Thursday ahead of Saturday's Heineken Champions Cup clash with Bath on Saturday, when Wade's name wasn't a topic for discussion, aside for Dai Young suggesting the same 23 that played against Leinster could be deployed at the Ricoh Arena.

CoventryLive contacted the Wasps media team, who reiterated the club's stance on not commenting on transfer rumours.

Hail Mary of career changes

If the rumours are indeed true, Christian Wade's exit from Wasps and rugby union would constitute a huge shock.

His electric speed, incredible footwork and finishing ability has seen him become one of the most feared wingers in the sport.

However, despite his try-scoring prowess in domestic and European competitions, Wade has won only one England cap drawing criticism from the likes of Wales winger Shane Williams and former Wasps wideman Tom Varndell - who spoke to CoventryLive earlier this year.

"I just don't understand why he hasn't been recognised by England more," said Varndell, whose six-year stay at Wasps ended in 2015.

"Personally, that would take him out of the Premiership more and help me hold onto my try-scoring record!

"But secondly, England are screaming out for a player like that.

"Especially on the back of the Six Nations they've just had. There was no flair, no real speed."

Aged just 27, Wade still has plenty of good years ahead of him in rugby union, but equally if it's a fresh challenge that he craves, Wade could have timed it right to make the Hail Mary of career switches.